Neighborhood Livability Project

Clackamas County, Ore.

The Neighborhood Livability Project is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort focusing on livability issues involving crime, health and code violations, and substance abuse with neglected, abandoned, foreclosed, and other chronic nuisance properties within Clackamas County. The project utilizes the combined resources of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (Patrol, Civil, and Community Corrections Divisions), District Attorney’s Office, Code Enforcement, County Counsel, and Health, Housing, and Human Services to combat the problem using a strategic, problem-oriented approach rather than through traditional enforcement methods. To date, 39 houses have been closed, meaning that the individuals causing the neighborhood problems have left the site or the problems identified have been cured. 22 houses have been put on review status, meaning the problems have been significantly reduced but there are still concerns that they may return. We are actively working on 24 new houses, which have been added in the last month.

About 100 Brilliant Ideas at Work

Counties play an essential role in keeping America’s communities healthy, vibrant and safe. With public and private sector partners, we pursue innovative approaches to advance public health and well-being, protect public safety and foster economic strength and resiliency. Counties anticipate and adapt to challenges by thinking outside the box and demonstrating local leadership that makes a difference in people’s lives.

Under the leadership of NACo Immediate Past President Bryan Desloge, NACo embarked on an initiative to identify and share 100 examples of visionary county leadership that results in improving residents’ quality of life. Through this initiative, NACo worked with county leaders and partners to share best practices that bolster our nation’s ability to thrive county by county.